Genesis 21:7
Genesis 21:7 in Multiple Translations
She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should give children suck? for I have borne him a son in his old age.
And she said, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would have a child at her breast? for see, I have given him a son now when he is old.
She also said, “Would anyone have announced to Abraham that Sarah was going to have children to nurse? But now I have had a son for Abraham even when he was old!”
Againe she said, Who would haue saide to Abraham, that Sarah shoulde haue giuen children sucke? for I haue borne him a sonne in his olde age.
She saith also, 'Who hath said to Abraham, Sarah hath suckled sons, that I have born a son for his old age?'
She said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”
And she said, Who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah shall nurse children? for I have borne him a son in his old age.
And again she said: Who would believe that Abraham should hear that Sara gave suck to a son, whom she bore to him in his old age.
Then she also said, “No one would have said to Abraham that some day Sarah would nurse a child, but I have given birth to a son when Abraham is very old.”
She also said, “Nobody reckoned that I can ever have a kid. But look, now Abraham is old, and I had a son for him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 21:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
מִ֤י
מִלֵּל֙
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֔ם
הֵינִ֥יקָה
בָנִ֖ים
שָׂרָ֑ה
כִּֽי
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
בֵ֖ן
לִ/זְקֻנָֽי/ו
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
מִלֵּל֙
mâlal
H4448
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Prep | N-proper
הֵינִ֥יקָה
yânaq
H3243
to suckle
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
בָנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שָׂרָ֑ה
Sârâh
H8283
Sarah
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בֵ֖ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
לִ/זְקֻנָֽי/ו
zâqun
H2208
extreme age
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:7
וַ/תֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
מִלֵּל֙
mâlal
H4448
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to speak or say, often used in poetic language, and is found in various KJV translations as say, speak, or utter. It is related to the idea of rubbing or scraping. In the Bible, it appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to speak, utter, say 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Piel) to say, utter Aramaic equivalent: me.lal (מְלַל "to speak" H4449)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: say, speak, utter. See also: Genesis 21:7; Job 33:3; Psalms 106:2.
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
Prep | N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
הֵינִ֥יקָה
yânaq
H3243
"to suckle"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
To suckle or nurse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also means to give milk. It describes the act of nursing a child.
Definition: 1) to suckle, nurse, suck 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to suck 1a2) suckling, babe (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give suck to, nurse 1b2) nursing, nursing woman, nurse (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling). See also: Genesis 21:7; 2 Chronicles 22:11; Psalms 8:3.
בָנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שָׂרָ֑ה
Sârâh
H8283
"Sarah"
N-proper
Sarah was Abraham's wife and the mother of Isaac, a key figure in the book of Genesis. Her name means noblewoman, reflecting her high social status. She is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; § Sarah = "noblewoman" wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Sarah. See also: Genesis 17:15; Genesis 21:1; Isaiah 51:2.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
בֵ֖ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לִ/זְקֻנָֽי/ו
zâqun
H2208
"extreme age"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word denotes extreme old age, signifying a life well-lived and a wealth of knowledge, as seen in the life of Abraham in Genesis 25:8. It emphasizes the value of age and experience.
Definition: old age, extreme old age
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: old age. See also: Genesis 21:2; Genesis 37:3; Genesis 44:20.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:7
- Sermons on Genesis 21:7
Context — The Birth of Isaac
5Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
6Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.”
7She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
8So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. 9But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 18:11–12 | And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:8 | Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. |
| 3 | 2 Thessalonians 1:10 | on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed, including you who have believed our testimony. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 4:32–34 | Indeed, ask now from one end of the heavens to the other about the days that long preceded you, from the day that God created man on earth: Has anything as great as this ever happened or been reported? Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived? Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation—by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors—as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes? |
| 5 | Numbers 23:23 | For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ |
| 6 | Ephesians 3:10 | His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, |
| 7 | Psalms 86:8 | O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours. |
| 8 | Psalms 86:10 | For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. |
| 9 | Isaiah 49:21 | Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. So who has reared them? Look, I was left all alone, so where did they come from?’” |
Genesis 21:7 Summary
In Genesis 21:7, Sarah is expressing her amazement and gratitude that she has given birth to a son, Isaac, in her old age. This was a miracle, and Sarah recognizes that only God could have made it possible, as seen in Genesis 18:14. She is saying that she never thought she would be a nursing mother, taking care of a child, but God has done the impossible. This shows us that God is faithful to His promises, and He can do great things in our lives, just as He did for Sarah, as promised in Genesis 17:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sarah seem so surprised that she had given birth to a son in her old age?
Sarah's surprise is rooted in her awareness of her advanced age and the improbability of bearing children, as seen in Genesis 18:11-12, where she laughs at the idea of having a child at her age.
What does it mean for Sarah to 'nurse children' in this verse?
In this context, 'nursing children' refers to the act of caring for and feeding her child, emphasizing Sarah's newfound role as a mother, which was a miracle in itself, as noted in Genesis 21:7.
How does this verse relate to God's promise to Abraham?
This verse is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as stated in Genesis 17:16, where God says that Sarah will be the mother of nations, and in Genesis 18:10, where God reiterates that Sarah will have a son.
What can we learn from Sarah's statement about God's sovereign plan?
Sarah's statement highlights God's sovereign plan and His ability to do the impossible, as seen in Genesis 18:14, where God asks if anything is too difficult for Him, emphasizing His power and faithfulness to His promises.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I have given up hope, and how can I trust God to do the impossible, just as He did for Sarah?
- How can I, like Sarah, acknowledge and surrender to God's sovereign plan, even when it seems unlikely or impossible?
- What role does faith play in my life, and how can I, like Abraham and Sarah, trust God's promises despite my circumstances?
- In what ways can I, like Sarah, express my gratitude and praise to God for the miracles He has done in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:7
And she said, who would have said unto Abraham,.... No one a year ago could ever have thought of such a thing, much less have come and told Abraham that he should have a child or children by Sarah;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:7
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:7
What man or woman could believe so improbable a thing? Or, who but a God could have foreseen and foretold it? She saith children, though she had but one child, either by a usual enallage of the plural number for the singular, whereby the word sons or daughters is used when there was but one, as 46:23 ; or presaging, that having received from God a new strength, she might have more children. By her expression she showeth all mothers what their duty is, viz. to give their children suck when they are able to do it; and that neither greatness of quality, nor multitude of business, nor other difficulties and inconveniences, will be a sufficient excuse to those that neglect it.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:7
Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born [him] a son in his old age.Ver. 7. That Sarah should have given children suck.] So she had a double blessing, - of the womb, and of the breasts. Milk she had at those years, and great store of it too: whence she is said to "give children suck," not a child only. She could have nursed another for a need, besides her own. Note, that though she were a great lady, yet she was a nurse. Let it not be niceness, but necessity that hinders any mother from so doing; lest she be found more monstrous than the "sea-monsters," that "draw out their breast, and give suck to their young". If the child must be set out, let a fit nurse be looked after. Quidam scrofae lacte nutritus cum esset, in coeno sese identidem volutabat. Sphinz Philosoph., p. 235.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:7
(6, 7) God hath made me to laugh.—Sarah’s laugh was one of mingled emotions. Joy was uppermost in her mind, but women do not laugh for joy at the birth of a child. Doubtless she called to mind the feelings with which she listened to the announcement of her bearing a son, made by those whom she then regarded as mere passing wayfarers (Genesis 18:12), but whom she had now long known to be the messengers of God. And still the event seemed to her marvellous and astonishing, so that “all that hear,” she said, “will laugh with me”—Heb., for me, or over me—not “will ridicule me,” but will be merry at the thought of an old woman of ninety having a son. Deeper feelings would come afterwards, and the acknowledgment that that which was contrary to nature was wrought by Him whom nature must obey; but surprise is uppermost in the little poem in which Sarah gives utterance to her first feelings:— Who would have said unto Abraham Sarah suckleth sons? For I have borne a son to his old age.
Sermons on Genesis 21:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) 36 - the Promise Fulfilled and the Weaning of Abraham by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various lessons from a chapter in the Bible. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God to His word and the superiority of His promises over world |
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God, Please Hurry Up by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches on the story of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting their struggles with age, infertility, and doubts while waiting for God's promise of descendants to be fulfille |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experience of feeling distant from God and lacking spiritual understanding, comfort, and power. He emphasizes the need for individuals and |
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Travail of a Nation by John Mulinde | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young university graduate who passionately preached against social injustices in an open-air meeting. Many people gathered |
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Finn-04 Restoration of Israel in the Last Days by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker, who is a Jew from New York City, shares his personal journey of living in a remote location in North America. He explains that he was led by the word o |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline of the United States as a nation that once acknowledged and depended on God. He highlights how the nation has turned its back on G |
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The Consummation of the Ages by Albert Leckie | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the millennial reign of Christ as God's final test to humanity. He explains that during this time, there will be no false |